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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Do you have the toothfairy's e-mail address?

tooth fairy


This is how my day started off. Mind you I worked Tuesday night and was TRYING to sleep on Wednesday when all of these shananigans took place.
Picture this...

I am asleep in my bed about 9:30ish this morning. Danielle was over babysitting because Elias is out of school for winter break. He is in the bed with me snuggled up watching TV. I'm a good mom, I know. Anyway, he wakes me up and from the way he is talking he sounds like he has marbles in his mouth. Now I was pretty out of it because I had been sleeping for about an hour or so. The conversation goes a little something like this:

E: Momma, wake up! Momma
P: Yes son, I am trying to sleep. What?
E: Momma, hold out your hand!
P: What? (I hold out my hand just to keep him happy)
E: (Spits his tooth in my hand) Look!
P: No way! Your tooth fell out! Good job!

He gets this really concerned look on his face at this point and I ask him what was wrong. He says:

"Momma, I am going to Coley's sleepover tonight. Can you email (THAT'S RIGHT MY FRIENDS HE DID JUST SAY THAT!) the tooth fairy and just let her know that I won't be home tonight, and to come tomorrow night?"

Sure I say! And just to put a spin on things I ask him if he knows the tooth fairy's email address.

"It's toothfairy@yahoo.com."

I love that kid more than life itself!

I will post pics of him when I get off this am!

XOXO

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Still.....

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I am really trying to be patient. I really am. It is just so hard after knowing that feeling of pure love. I am hoping that we hear something the next list which may come out in January. I am just not sure. I will be so happy to hear Pam's voice again...

Happy Holiday's everyone! XOXO

Monday, December 03, 2007

Beautiful...



I got these red thread bracelets in the mail today! Aren't they cool?? I opened them in the car on the way to see the Christmas lights and to get dinner. I put Elias' on him and told him that if anyone asked what it was he could tell them about baby sister. I was in the front seat with Shannon and I told him that I got him a bracelet too. I asked him if he would wear it and he said sure! I was kinda shocked really... I asked him of he knew what the Red Thread was and he said, "It is an ancient Chinese belief that there is a red thread that connects everyone that is supposed to be a family. And Norah is our daughter and we have to wear it until she comes home." I had tears fill my eyes. This man is beautiful. I am such a lucky girl :)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Ladybug, Ladybug

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A ladybug landed on my shoulder today and took a little drive with me in the car... Hope that means something... only time will tell!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

I think I can...

We made the traditional gingerbread train tonight! We had so much fun, and Elias ate more icing than he probably should have! Here are some pics from the festivities! This first picture is of course before....





THis is the icing that accidently made it into his mouth...



Hard at work...




And the final creation...





Saturday, November 17, 2007

Must See !!



I saw this on another families blog! Make sure that you have a tissue handy... it's a tear jerker, but really makes you aware of what the birth-moms must go through when they have to give their children up. I could not even imagine the pain...

**make sure that you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and put this cool song you are listening to now on pause!**

Thursday, November 15, 2007

From The Waiting Child

I saw you meet your child today
You kissed your baby joyfully
And as you walked away with her
I played pretend you'd chosen me.

I'm happy for the baby,
yet inside I"m aching miserably
I want to plead as you go by,
``Does no-one want a child of three?"

I saw you meet your child today
In love with her before you met
And as I watched you take her out
I knew it wasn't my turn yet.

I recognize you from last year!
I knew I'd seen your face before!
But you came for a second babe.
Does no-one want a child of four?

I saw you meet your child today
But this time there was something new
A nurse came in and took MY hand
And then she gave my hand to you.

Can this be true?
I'm almost six!
And there are infants here you see?
But then you kissed me and I knew
The child you chose this time was me.

by Debbie Bodie

Monday, November 12, 2007

Three Days Grace...

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Tuesday, I was sitting at the kitchen table gluing on nails. When I get nervous, stressed out or anxious I bite my fingernails off and I put on fake ones so I will stop. It was such a beautiful day outside, about 70 degrees and I had all the windows open in the house. Elias was sitting at the kitchen table with me doing his homework. My phone rings and it is a 303 area code. Could it be? It's too soon! I thought it would be December or January before we got the call! Pick it up already! Hello? "Hi Penny this is Pam with CCAI waiting child program!" I know Pam! Pam! Holy cow its PAM! I try to stay calm and collected but my voice is cracking... "We have a little girl that needs a mommy and a daddy!" No way! At this point I am crying! I really tried to hold back! I walked outside with a paper and a pen because I felt like I was suffocating inside... A little girl! I take down all of the information and then it hits me! She has the same birthday as my dad! No way! I think a little more clearly... her name... her name is a nickname that we have called my sister for 18 years! It can't be! What? She was found by a police officer? My husband is a police officer! I am out of control! Pam tells me that she sent the emails with her picture. I open it up immediately, still on the phone with Pam. She is beautiful I cry! That's all I can get out at that moment. Beautiful! My daughter... sweet Norah! I call my husband, my best friend, my dad, my inlaws. Anyone that will listen, I tell them about my new daughter! Oh I love her! I go to work Tuesday night with no make-up on. I had been crying with joy the whole day and I would just ruin it if I had make-up on! I print out her picture and keep it in my pocket so I can show her off! Did I mention that she was beautiful?? We ordered Chinese that night at work to celebrate! Wednesday I go to breakfast with my best friend and we talk baby. Baby showers, baby bibs, baby bedding. My daughter! All of this time waiting, wanting and I am settled. We are now complete. We go to the baby store and walk around, looking at outfits, pappy's and bath toys. We finally perch into one of those ultra comfy cozy glider rockers. I will have to put this on my registry! I love these! We talk again about how cute she is and how perfect she is for our family. Thursday I finally have the time to do a little shopping. A few dresses here, a picture frame to send in her care package and a picture frame or two to put her picture in right next to our family picture. She belongs there you know, she always has. Perfect. I called a dear friend of mine in the parking lot to get yet another dress. She is pregnant! Oh, I love it! I am so happy for her! Go into the store and get the dress... I know what size to get! Yeah! I am walking back to my car and the phone rings again. Probably another well wisher! I have had the happiest conversations the last few days! 303 area code. It's Pam again. Yes we will take her! We love her! Pam says there is a problem. No, there can't be a problem! She is our daughter! CCAA is pulling her file because the orphanage director thinks she may be autistic. No! Please God no! Yes, it is so. But they will put us right back in line and we should hear something soon. No... she is my daughter!
But my hands are tied. I came home and sobbed for 2 days. I didn't get out of my pj's I just wanted to lay in the bed and cry. And I did. My daughter was gone. I saw her face and touched her picture 1,000 times. My heart was broken.
So, that is why I could not show myself on here. I knew that if I wrote, it would not be nice. Not something that I would want someone else to read... now or never.
I can breath again. The huge lump isn't there anymore when I talk about her. I just hope and pray that they evaluate her in the next few years and find out that it wasn't autism after all. That way she will have a shot at having a family of her own. If not, she will grow up in the orphanage. That is what kills me the most.
Those were the sweetest three days I have had in a long time.
I know that our daughter will come home in God's time and I know that He had a reason for doing this. Like my mom always says... In ALL things give thanks. And that is what I am trying to do everyday.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Goodbye for a while...

Due to recent events, I don't think that I am going to be posting on here for a while. I just need to take some time away and catch my breath. Please check back as often as you would like. I just need some time. Love to all....

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!

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Happy Halloween everyone! Hope that all of you and your kids have a safe Halloween tonight! Elias is going to be a pirate and I will post pics tomorrow sometime!

Be safe!!!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Brownie Points....

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We went to my dad's 60th birthday party last night and for decorations they had lanterns hanging from the big trees in their back yard. Before I even noticed them, Shannon said, "Those would look so cool in Norah's room!"

Serious Brownie Points.....

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

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Don't forget that November is National Adoption Month!

Later I will include some links for various organizations that provide care for orphans in China!

Be back soooooon!

XOXO

Monday, October 08, 2007

What exactly is a "Mom"....



I just really need to get some things off of my chest... I think I will feel so much better. This may be a bit long but I just need to get through this...
I always knew that I wanted to be a mother. Always. When I was little I had the doll that pee'd and pooed and you had to feed them or they would cry. I loved it. I am a very nurturing person by nature. But I always wanted to be a mom. I was BORN to be a mom. When I was 19 I got married. I was so young and innocent. We tried for about 5 years to get pregnant and no luck. We ran the whole gamete of infertility drugs. It really took a toll on my body and my head. But I would forge on for the sake of being a mother. We divorced after about 6 years of marriage. I think we were just to young, I don't know. Sure I mourned the unknown. The once upon a time. The happily ever after. But what I mourned the most was that I never got pregnant. Everyone said that it just "wasn't meant to be". How could it not be meant to be? Babies are wonderful and I was sure that being a mother was even more fantastic. I just knew that I would be that old lady that lived by herself forever and had 8 cats and always had cat fur on her. You can even ask my mom... that was what I was going to do. About 7 months later I was working with a dear friend of mine and her husband was a police officer. She said that she had a really great guy that she wanted to introduce me to. Yeah right... I wasn't falling for that. Been there, done that. After a month or two of begging on my friends part, I agreed to meet this mystery man. Boy am I glad that I did. He captured me heart and soul after I swore that I would never marry again. I did this, but not before telling him that I would never have children... the doctor said so. Sorry guy, if you want to bolt I will completely understand! Guess what... he stayed! He sure did. Nine months after we were married, guess what. Yep, I was going to be a mom! I could hardly stand it! I told everyone the very second that I found out! I had the most amazing pregnancy! Never sick, gained about 26 pounds, my hair was thick and shiny and I felt beautiful! I was going to be a mom! At 8:02pm on May14, all of my dreams came true. A bouncing baby boy! Oh and he was beautiful! He still is to this day! Of course we wanted more kids, but one thing lead to another and at 32 I had a hysterectomy. Yeah, that was no fun, but it was closure and I so needed that. We were already in the process of adopting and to be honest, I was more excited about having a daughter than I was sad about never carrying a child in my tummy. So we are waiting now on sweet Norah. I can't wait to see her and hold her and let her know that I am her mom. What I have learned through all of this is that being a mom isn't about carrying a baby in your tummy. It isn't about the maternity clothes and the labor and delivery. It is about carrying that desire in your heart to want to love and protect another little being and being the best mom that I can be. Who knows how many more kids we will have... does it matter that they have the Sharp features? The dark brown eyes, amazing skin, perfectly straight teeth? No, it doesn't matter to me. What matter to me is that all of my children, regardless of skin color and nationality, know that their momma loves them and feels so blessed that God chose ME to be their mom. I AM blessed. I know that everyday when he calls me his "girly-girl".

Good Choices!

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This is the number of bears that Elias had to pull today! On Thursday of last week he had to pull one. Friday = None! And today, none!
For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about... The first teacher that Elias had he had to pull frogs when he was bad. He pulled like 3 or 4 everyday. He got a new teacher the second month of school who is just awesome. He has done really well, and she is really working with us and knows that Elias has/had a hard time in school. She has really been working with him and we have been working with him at home about making good choices and stuff. I am really proud of him! Last Friday he got "treasure box" and I thought he was going to explode he was so proud of himself! Way to go buddy!!!!

Friday, October 05, 2007

Please....

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Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I have really enjoyed keeping up with it! If you do stop by, leave me a message if you have time! I am planning on keeping it and saving it to disk so Norah and Elias can look back at it when they are older! And unfortunately they will realize what a silly mom they have.... Peace and Love!!!

I Do Believe...

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Elias said his prayers last night and the end went a little something like this:

"And Dear God, can you please tell your friend Santa I said hi? Because I have really tried to be good this year for you guys but sometimes it is a little hard. But I do believe in you God and I do believe in Santa. You guys are great. Thank you. I love you. Bye."

How precious. I love this time of year. I went into Walgreen today and they have started to put Christmas stuff out. Just some boxes and bows, but it makes me happy inside!

Oh, Christmas through the eyes of a child....

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Thankful

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I know that it isn't Thanksgiving... yet. But I just feel really blessed and wanted to share all of the things that I am thankful for. Some silly, some not so much so. So here goes:
  • I am thankful for my amazing husband. Not just some days, but everyday. He is the love of my life.
  • I am thankful for Elias. Even on the days that he makes me want to rip the hair out of my head and jump off the nearest HIGH bridge. He is smart, he is cute, he is healthy and he is happy.
  • I am thankful for our house even though it is right on top of the neighbors and there are no trees for a 5 mile radius. I am thankful that we have a roof (a new roof) over our heads and a warm place to sleep.
  • I am thankful for my family. They are the glue that keeps this crazy head together.
  • I am thankful for my mom. For those of you that have met her, I don't need to explain. For those of you that don't know her, you are really missing out :)
  • I am thankful for my sister. We are 13 years apart and seem to be best friends despite our age difference. She is beautiful, full of life and love, and has the most amazing heart of anyone I know.
  • I am thankful that I have a job that I love.
  • I am thankful that my husband has a job that he loves.
  • I am thankful that our dog has finally shaped up so we don't have to give her away. Little Lucy Goosey is such a neat part of our family.
  • I am thankful that we make enough money to pay our bills, even if we don't have much left over....
  • I am thankful that my family is healthy.
  • I am thankful for all of the friends that I have met this past year and years before, and I am especially thankful for my Anam Cara..."You see the smile that's on my mouth~Is hiding the words that don't come out~And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed~They don't know my head is a mess~No, they don't know who I really am~And they don't know what I've been through like you do."
  • I am thankful that I drive a pretty cool car... although I just had to put a battery in it a few days ago and it is going to need new tires soon...
  • I am thankful for all of the things that I went through, because I am really enjoying who I am today
  • I am thankful that God prepared my heart a while ago to adopt from China. Had he not done that, I feel quite sure that I would have suffered a broken heart for the rest of my life not being able to carry more children. He has such a good plan for my life.
  • I am thankful that our daughter will be home with us one day and I am also thankful to the people that are taking care of her right now.

It is amazing to me that one heartbreak will turn into happiness. I have so much to say and maybe one day I will brave enough to write it all down. But I know that God is good. All the time.

Monday, October 01, 2007

Butterflies....

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I always knew that Shannon would be a good dad. But over the last few months, maybe even the last year he has turned into Super Dad. Now don't get me wrong, he always helped when Elias was a baby. He got up for middle of the night feeding, changed diapers (even stinky ones!), I never EVER asked him to "babysit", and when I was in school he was the primary parent while I studied and then studied some more. I do not want to discredit him for that! He is a wonderful man! But this year since Elias has been in school, he has been a very hands on, very wonderful dad! He knows more about his day than I do sometimes! I just can't thank God enough for this man and he has made parenting incredibly easy for me! I feel so blessed to have him in my life and am honored that he chose me to spend the rest of his life with and to be the mother of his children. And yes, after almost 7 years, I still get butterflies...

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Wow...

Why?
"On the street I saw a small girl,cold and shivering in a thin dress,with little hope of a decent meal.
I became angry and said to God:"Why did you permit this?Why don't you do something about it?"
For a while God said nothing.
That night he replied, quite subtlety
"I certainly did do something about it.
I made you.'"
Author Unknown

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

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  • He looks just like his dad
  • The way he smells when he gets out of the tub
  • His belly laughs
  • The way he calls me "girly-girl"
  • He tells everyone that he meets that he is going to China because that is where his baby sister is
  • He has an amazing personality
  • His hugs
  • His kisses
  • When he holds my hand for no reason
  • The freckle right above his lip
  • His flat feet
  • He bites his fingernails
  • The amazing things he makes out of Lego's
  • His memory is unbelievable
  • His sense of direction
  • When he sings "You're Beautiful" to me
  • He is a social butterfly

There are so many reasons why I love this kid. He is so funny! I didn't mean to let all of our business in the street, but any of you that know Elias know what he is capable of! He's just the class clown... Let's just face it now people. This kid ROCKS!!!!!!!

P.S.



Have any of you read the strong willed child by James Dobson???
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Elias got 4 frogs pulled at school today. This is NOT a good thing! They start out with 4 frogs in the "pond". Once this year, in the last 4 weeks I mean, he had no frogs pulled. On this particular day he also got a bloody nose... but I digress... He usually gets one or two taken away. Occasionally 3. When he gets frogs taken away we punish him by not letting him watch TV, no swimming, no playing, and he usually *gulp* he gets a spanking. Now any one of you that know my child, know that none of the above "re directions" help. Nothing phases this child. Today he got 4 frogs taken and we got a red note sent home that wasn't too good. He was:
  • Not following directions
  • defiant behavior
  • talking too much
  • Disrupting class

He got in trouble at lunch for crawling under the table (???). Shannon asked him why he was crawling under the table and his response was: "Dad all my friends thought it was so funny and they were laughing?? Why is that so wrong??"

Ugh. I just don't know what to do. In my next post I will give you all reasons why my child is so amazing. Because he really is. I just don't know what to do!

So I say all of this to ask for your help. Any of you with kids, anyone who wants kids, and even if you don't I need some advise! I am at my wits end with this situation! Any help would ROCK!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

New Favorite Song!

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This song just speaks volumes to me! I listen to it everyday at least a few dozen times and I feel so loved! If you haven't already, check out Casting Crowns at http://www.castingcrowns.com/ They are amazing! So here it is.... Praise You In This Storm

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember whenI stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

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Well, I talked to E's assistant principal today and I honestly just can't say enough nice things about her. I went to her with concerns that I had about E and his teacher. Well, we got a note home on Friday that stated there would be a new teacher coming to the school and they would have to take about 2 or 3 kids out of each class to make her a new class. Instead of filling out the paper that his teacher sent home, I just thought I would call the Assistant Principal directly. She said that the best thing to do right now would be to move him to the new class. She apologized over and over about things that have happened this past week, and to be honest I feel so much better. I hope that he has a great rest of the school year this year and I am sure he will LOVE his new teacher! XOXO

Horrid!

I checked out www.chinaadoptionforcast.com and look what I found! This just makes me want to throw up! 5 years! That is just crazy talk! Poor Elias will be 10! Let's just sit back and enjoy the ride, shall we? (I guess if I keep telling myself that I will hop on board!) Hope time flies by!

Our best guess - a weighted average of recent CCAA velocities, guessing that CCAA will perform about as well in the future as they are performing now, but might return to previous trends: 2012-08-25

We are LID!

We were DTC on 8/16 (my sister's birthday!) and got an email about a week and a half later that we were LID on 8/20! We are so excited! We are one step closer to Norah and we couldn't be happier! It finally hit me that this very room that I am sitting in right now typing will be my DAUGHTER'S room! Daughter.... wow! I am so blessed to have a God that loves me and gives me the desires of my heart! And all of the friends that I have met along the way are awesome! Well, I am off to look at baby stuff.... that's all I do these days! XOXO

China F.A.Q.

Why China??? The Answers To Your Questions:

China is a country whose culture dates back to the earliest records known to man. At first glance, some of China's beliefs may seem quite different than those we hold. One example of this is the culture preference for a male child. There are several reasons why Chinese families might prefer a boy over a girl. In rural provinces, a family's livelihood depends directly in the output of it's family members. Because of this, a family with sons would be at a considerable advantage than one with daughters. Historically, it is also the son's honored responsibility to take care of his parents in their old age, so they never leave their home. A daughter, however, would be expected to care for her husband's parents rather than her own. In this regard, the Chinese believe that having a son is crucial to their livelihood, as well as a form of social security for the parents when they grow older. Although in recent years, China has done much to change these belief systems, many families, especially in rural areas, still strongly favor the birth of a male child. This situation if further complicated by China's One-Child Policy, which prohibits families from having more than one child. As a result of this policy, there are thousands of abandoned children throughout China, with the vast majority of them being healthy baby girls.

Important Traditions and Terms Found In The Chinese Adoption Community:

The Red Thread- " "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break."

Ladybugs- Believed to be good luck in the adoption community. One spring while everyone waited for their referrals, there was a huge infiltration of ladybugs across the nation and immediately following these sightings a flood of referrals came. Or so the story goes....

100 Good Wishes Quilt- To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or " 100 Good Wishes Quilt." It is a custom to invite 100 people to contribute a single square of cloth. The 100 patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. Waiting families often collect the wishes along with a scrapbook for their child.

Dossier- The set of documents that represents the adopted family. It includes the medical reports, birth certificates, employment letters, police clearances, financial statements, home study, etc.

DTC- Dossier to China. This is the milestone day when the Chinese government logs in the receipt of a dossier to adopt a child. This represents the end of the "paper chase" for the adoptive parents, and the beginning of "the wait" for the referral of a child by the Chinese government.

LID- Log in date. This is the date that CCAA logs in your Dossier on arrival in China.

CCAA- China Center of Adoption Affairs. That's where the dossiers are processed and the children, who live in China's SWI's (Social Welfare Institutions) and/or foster care, are matched with families.

Referral- Notification from the CCAA that they have matched a family with a child. Referral information usually includes the child's Chinese name, date of birth, height/weight, a medical report, one or more photographs, and a few notes about the child's nature.

LOI- Letter of Intent. This is a letter that the adoptive family writes to China stating their intent to adopt a child on the Waiting Child list.

PA- Pre-Approval. This is what the family receives from China after they have reviewed the
LOI from the adoptive family. It means they give the family pre-approval to adopt the child.

TA- Travel Approval. This is received when China gives the family Travel Approval to come to China to bring home their child.

WC-Waiting Child. A child is put on a WC list because of a medical condition or age.

HS- Home Study. A home study is done by a licensed social worker who says whether a family is capable of adopting a child.

Monday, August 20, 2007

I give the first day of school a big fat F!

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So Elias gets up this morning and he is excited! More excited to eat in the cafeteria than anything else. I am happy for him, he has always been a social thing so i figured this would be a breeze! Today he was wearing a white polo shirt with camo shorts and tennis shoes. Man he looked cute! My friend Rene and her son Owen, who is in the same class as Elias, all rode together today. We get to the school and we are directed to go into the "Multipurpose Room". There about a bajillion kindergartners and there parents in this HOT HOT room. Way to too, kinda like breath. Anyway, after eleventy-seven hours we are directed to follow the teacher and go to class. We had to put their school supplies out in front of their classroom and leave. Some of the kids parents were there and some had already dropped them off. We are walking in this line, well, it wasn't really a line... and the teacher is WAY ahead of us. Some of these kids could have dipped and she would have never even known because she never ONCE turned around to see her following. Strike One. Strike two came when I get a phone call from Rene and she said that her son didn't eat lunch today. I said WHAT! I saw her give the teacher the envelope that had Owens lunch money in it, why didn't he eat? Well, apparently Owen wanted to bring his lunch box to school today... hello, it was transformers!!! So she packed a snack for him for after school on the way home. That is why she told the teacher "here is owens lunch money for the WEEK." not for tuesday-friday but for the week. They thought the lunch that he had in the lunch box was his lunch. (Six chips and a granola bar just doesn't look like lunch to me, how about to you???) Rene talked to them about it and they said... oh sorry! We don't keep track of who eats in the cafeteria and who brings there lunch. All we do is turn the money into the cafeteria and that's all." How very reassuring. And no he isn't my child, but yes the mama bear came out... Third strike, and you guys are going to Love this one... My mom picked Elias up from school today because I had to work. She sat in the car line for an hour, which is understandable. First day of school = craziness! Elias gets in the car and he has blood on his shirt, on both of his arms and on his leg. My mom asked him what happened and he said he ran into the swing set at school. I guess they didn't take time to give him a Kleenex or wipe it because he apparently wiped his nose on both arms and some dripped on his nose. Anyway, when mom picked him up, he had been sitting outside for an hour and had blood all around his nose and a clot thingy in his right nose. Now I know my kid and I know that when it gets hot like this his nose bleeds. But did they even look at him all day??? The blood on his arms and leg were dried. He is a white kid with a white shirt on... how could they not see that! When he got in the car with mom, he said he was thirsty so she ran by the gas station and he drank a whole bottle of water. I am so angry right now. He is 5 people! There was no note sent home and no phone call as to why he was bleeding or had blood on his clothes. So over all I give that school a big fat F!!!!!!!!

**After thinking some more about that... how do they know that he isn't anemic? How do they know that he doesn't have HIV or hep? We were not required to list such things on his registration form. Pretty comforting, don't you think???

*** Elias will be moved to a new classroom as of this coming Monday! I am so glad! Thanks to all that have said a prayer! ***

Tomorrow...

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Tomorrow is our baby's first day of kindergarten. I am kinda sad and mostly happy! Sad because he will be away from home all day and there will be no more sleep in days for us! I so enjoyed the days that I didn't have to work and we would sleep in and wake up all sleepy together! Elias is NOT a morning person, I repeat NOT a morning person! He usually goes to bed around 9ish and would sleep until 10 if we would let him. He loves waking up on his own and hates being woken up! So tomorrow will be such a big day for him! He is really excited that he will be making new friends and he is really jazzed about eating lunch in the cafeteria (ugh!). He will make it just fine! He is such a social butterfly and is such a kindhearted kid! We will be waking up at 6... wish us luck! I will post pictures as soon as I get home. They are having a "boo-hoo" breakfast for the parents of the kindergartners tomorrow ... isn't that sweet??? Wish us luck... My baby is growing up :)

Saturday, August 18, 2007

I've Been Tagged!!!! Thanks Peggy! Peggy is a friend of mine that is adopting Grace from China! Hopefully Grace and Norah will grow up to be the best of friends! Here are my responses:

FIVE THINGS I WAS DOING TEN YEARS AGO
1) Working at Silverman Consulting
2) Living in Mt. Pleasant
3) Partying like a rock star
4)Not knowing what I was missing if I fast-forwarded to about 1999!
5) Being miserable!

FAVORITE SNACK FOOD (Just 5???)
1) Cappuchino Blasts from Baskin Robbins
2) Double Stuff Oreo's
3) Chocolate Milkshakes
4) Hersey Bar
5) Chocolate covered strawberries

FIVE SONGS I KNOW ALL THE LYRICS TO
1) Maggie May - Edwin McCain
2) Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield
3) Praise you in this storm: Casting Crowns
4) Kiss - Prince
5) Betty Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes (?)

FIVE THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE
1) Tithe 10%
2) Pay off all debt including house and buy a Tahoe!
3) Buy my parents a new house
4) Take a big vacation with family and close friends
5) Adoopt a few more kids and be a stay at home mom!

FIVE BAD HABITS
1) Biting my nails
2) Popping my knuckles
3) Laziness, especially with housework
4) Too much play and not enough work (see #3)
5) Listening to music WAY too loud!

FIVE THINGS I LIKE TO DO
1) Snuggle up next to Elias in bed and watch TV
2) Spend my Friday's with my mom and Elias and my sister when she is off work
3) Have girl's night
4) Family Time
5) Go to Wal-Mart

FIVE THINGS I WILL NEVER WEAR AGAIN
1) "leggings"
2) parachute pants
3) Jelly Shoes (MAN they hurt!)
4) Black Jeans
5) Bikini :(

FIVE PEOPLE I TAG FOR THIS
1. Val
2. Lara
3. Mom
4. Heather
5. Tammy

Friday, August 17, 2007

Finally DTC!

Yeah! I was wondering if it was ever going to happen! I am so excited! And we are LID on my little sisters birthday! Awwww :)

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Finally!

We finally have all of our stuff at the agency now and hopefully as we speak they are translating things and putting a pretty red bow on to send to China! I can't belive that it is finally done! Hopefully we will be DTC soon and then a quick LID! Will blog more later when little man is asleep tonight! We just got back from the pool and I feel a chlorine induced nap coming on. Aren't they the best! Back soon!

Thursday, August 02, 2007

The brown envelope...

We got our brown envelope today! I was so excited! Some people get the envelope, some people don't but I am really glad that I got it! Had a pretty emotional last few days... The brown envelope is just basically them saying hey, we got your uscis stuff and sure, you can adopt from China. Very very cool!
Elias left to go to North Carolina with my mom and the fam. I miss that little fartblossom! I just never really realized how much he is woven into my day and into my every waking hour. You will never believe what I did! Some of this may be TMI but those of you that are mom's you will get a big kick out of it. My mom came and picked him up about 2 on Tuesday. So, I send him off and feel sad for a few minutes. I sat on the couch to think about him and then I lay on the couch. And don't you know I fell right to sleep! Woke up and made dinner. After dinner I - and here is the really cool part- I sat on the couch with a bag of Oreo's and read my book! I really did! And after that I took a nice long hot tubby - ALONE- and then finished the night off my watching TLC and HGTV before I went to bed! It was a dream come true I tell you!
I miss him though, and he will be back on Monday! Wonder how may Oreo's and tubby's I can fit in before he gets home?

Monday, July 23, 2007

What's New...

There has been a lot going on in this little Sharp family lately! Let's see... I had some surgery which was AWESOME! And everything turned out great. I was out of work for 6 weeks which was really really nice! Then we went on a cruise for 7 days with all of Shannon's family (dad's side). I really did not want to come home! It was so great spending time with all of the fam without cellphones or computers and stuff. The day that we left for the cruise my little sister graduated from highschool which was pretty heartbreaking because she is not a baby anymore:( I remember so clearly the day she was born.
We finally got all of our stuff done for the dossier and I am going to send that bad boy off tomorrow! Yipeee! I am so glad that is done! I know that all of it is necessary, but man!
Saturday Gram had a garage sale for us and donated all of the money that we made to help with the adoption. Isn't that sweet. And Shannon's cousins had a lemonade stand set up and sold lemonade and gave us the proceeds from that as well! It was truly a family affair!
Elias starts kindergarten on August 20th. I am so sad and so happy at the same time! I just cant believe that he is old enough to go to kindergarten! But his little mind is a sponge and he will love it! That's about all for us! Hope you all are feelin the love! Peace out! The Sharp Three XOXO

Thursday, June 21, 2007

The Path...

I know that posts have been very far and few inbetween lately. There is a method to my madness and at times I do believe I am going mad.
When we first started this adoption, we were sooo excited. We told everyone we came in contact with but the biggest mistake was telling our son. Elias had been such a trooper though all of this and everything that he sees that is Chinese, looks chinese or could be chinese, he points it out and is so happy because that is where his baby sister is coming from. I know that all of this is taking forever for him, and I feel that it is taking forever too. When we first started this process, the wait was 12-14 months from the time our dossier was in China until we got our referral. Now the wait is up to almost 2 1/2 years and growing. Two and a half years. Wow. Try wrapping your mind around that for a minute. Elias will be almost 8, Shannon will be 39 and well, I will still be 19 of course. :) We STILL have not gotten our dossier out. Seems that everytime we try we hit a roadblock and something doesnt go right. Is someone trying to tell us something? Am I being selfish because I dont want to wait 3 years? I am just so torn right now. Sure there are other countries, and if we had maybe 20 grand more that may be an option. But it isnt. I am just really blah about the whole thing right now and pretty disenchanted about the adoption process in general. There are tons of babies that do not have moms and dads and brothers and sisters. They dont have anyone to tuck them into bed at night, no one to tell them that they love them. And I know that if you dont know any better then how can you miss something that you dont have. But I had it growing up and I think that everyone needs a mom and dad that love them. I just dont get life sometimes. This whole thing is really starting to stress me out and I am not sure that it should be. Shouldnt I be enjoying this??? Ugh. Thats it for now. Maybe later I will be in a not so foul mood. Peace and Love.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

No...

we haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I am just a bit disenchanted with this whole thing right now. I am beginning to think that people think I am making this whole thing up, heck, sometimes I FEEL like I am making this up! But, I know that when it is time for Norah to come home, she will. Not sure if I wrote this in an earlier post, but we also put in our application for Special Needs if that should come open. We will love her no matter what! Peace and love.. pen

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

30 Months??

I spoke with our agency this week and she confirmed that the wait for referral was indeed 26-29 months. Not a happy camper right now and I think that it is time I step away from the computer for a little while. Please keep our family in your prayers. Thanks and God Bless! XOX Pen, Shan and Elias

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Do I see a light?

Just a little FYI for people that read this blog... We are done with our homestudy and we just recently got an email from the dossier department in Georgia and they got our homestudy as well. They reviewed it and will let our social worker know of any problems that they found. We will then file our I600A, get our fingerprints done and begin all of the tedious paperwork for our dossier. Please pray for us that this will all go smoothly! I am not looking forward to the hours and hours of paperwork! For those of you that know me know that I am not good with staying on task and finishing a project! :) Once we send the dossier to China and it has been translated there and they rake it over with a fine tooth comb, they will give is a Log In Date (LID) and then we begin the wait. (A long wait might I add). So that's all that's going on with the adoption front... Hope all of you are doing well! XOXO The Sharp 3 XOXO

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Long Time...

I know that most of you probably thought that we dropped off the face of the earth, but alas... we are here! Things are going fabulous on the adoption front. Just had our last homestudy on Friday (Shannon's birthday) and we got the rough draft today! We are just waiting for the rest of Shannon's blood work to come back and then our homestudy is DONE! We got an email from the agency today about our dossier. I feel so grown up and stuff now! We even have a User Name and password! Yipeee! Other than that we are just cruising by. Work sleep play and then repeat!

Monday, February 05, 2007

Deep Thoughts...

I don't know why, but for the last few days I have really been thinking about Norah. Maybe it's because Elias has been talking about her (ex. We went to a Chinese restaurant and he proceeds to tell the lady that his sister is in China and we are going to get her...) or maybe because I have been on the computer way too long stalking all of the web sites that recently got to see their sweet babies faces for the first time. Or perhaps its because I am a mother, or even better because I am Norah's mother. Even though I have never seen her face, I have never been to her place of birth, I know nothing about her except the fact that I am her mother. I have Elias, who is the most amazing child in this universe. Just one single smile from that kid and the whole world could crumble around me and I would stand as steady as a rock. I see him everyday, I know his favorite color, his favorite food, his incredible belly laugh, and in a room full of mothers and their children he could call my name and I would know that it is him. I know every freckle on his body and all of his tickle spots. That's my job, my calling, my heart... I am his mother.
So why is it that I get all choked up at the mention of her name? At the very thought of my children sharing a laugh or a hug or a disagreement? Why is it that I could share my heart with another child not born of my flesh and blood? Why is it that I ache to give her a warm bed to sleep in and share a good night kiss? Why is it that I would travel thousands of miles to welcome a child that I have never seen and love her unconditionally before she is probably even born? The answer is simple... Because I am her mother....

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Every Little Girl Needs...


A Tea Set! I went out with my mom shopping for a bit yesterday and she bought Norah this cute tea set! I love it! I know there will be many tea parties in my future! **Notice the little ladybug on the spout??** (Mom, you rock!!)

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Referral Time!

Alot of families got to see their babies faces for the first time today! This is such an exciting time of the month and it is sooo neat to see these little girls that will be coming home soon! Elias and I look at the babies at this time of the month on a website that is called the Rumor Queen. Every picture that we look at he says, "Is THAT her mom! My baby!" And I have to tell him no, that's not her that is someone else's baby. I don't know who is going to take the wait worse, me or him! Bless his heart :) Congrats to you families that saw your girls today!

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Where IS My Sister??




Elias always wonders where exactly Norah is. He talks about her alot, which is really cute! So, Aunt Laura gave Elias an inflatable globe and we circled China and then the US. Now he can look at it and see where she is!

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Homestudy, Finally!

We have the date for our home study! We will be doing the first one February 19th at 9:00. Now all of you that know us, know that we are not early risers! Even Elias will sleep until at least 10 if we would let him! But we are going to live a little and try getting up at zero dark thirty! Please say a prayer for us that things will go smoothly! It should only take about an hour and a half!

Monday, January 22, 2007

Happy Monday!

What a wonderful weekend! Friday night Valarie and I had a girls night! It was needed! We closed on our loan and our girls night turned into a celebration! We went to a children's boutique in Mt. Pleasant at the Towne Center. This place was amazing! Val bought Norah a cute little back pack that is red and purple and has ladybugs on it! I will post a picture in a few days! Then we had a really nice dinner on Sullivan's Island with NO KIDS!!!! How does that happen! It was so nice having that time and talking about things to come!
Earlier that day, my mom and I hit the outlets! Mom bought Norah a really cute purse and a picture frame.... as soon as we get that referral picture it will be in there! I got her a little teddy bear with a pink bow and a pink tutu on! I can't stand it! I want to buy everything!
On an even better note, my friend Peggy and her husband Paul just finished their paperchasing! I am so happy for them and I can't wait to see baby Gracie! I know that Gracie and Norah will be spending alot of time together as they grow! Awww she already has a friend! I am so thankful that God has placed people around us that are adopting from China as well! I will post some pictures as soon as I can! For now it's off to bed. I have to work tonight! XOXO

Friday, January 19, 2007

Well that settles it!

We have officially named our daughter:
Norah Catherine Sharp
Awww :) I LOVE that name because it means so much to so many people! My grandma, my mom and my sister are all Lenora. I just shortened it and added and "h" and there ya go! Sweet Norah! I am so thankful that we have such a supportive family going through all of this. And by family that also included friends that are family as well! Catherine was my dad's moms name. I never got the chance to meet her, but I hear she was a wonderful woman and mother. My parents named me Penny Catherine and I always knew that if I had a daughter her name would also be Catherine. Shannon's Aunt Laura's middle name is Katherine and so is his great-grandmas. So, there you have it! I am just thrilled pink about all of this! I love her and I can't wait to see her and hold her in my arms! XOXO

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

What do YOU think???

As all of you know, we had originally planned to name our daughter Gracelin. We have called her this since day one, and that name seemed so appropriate then.
Well, we have changed our minds on the name and wanted to run a few names by all of you to see what you think. (I think there are only about 4 people that read this anyway, and I have asked you and I know what you think!)

So here goes:

Norah Catherine "CN" Sharp - Norah for my mom, sister and grandma, and Catherine for my dads mom and also a few lovely women on Shannon's side of the fam.
Addison Catherine "CN" Sharp - random name that I like.

So, questions, comments or concerns? Or maybe some names that YOU like??

Will write more soon!

XOXO The Sharp Three ( Can't wait til its 4)